AdAlDa
My name is Twilight_Sparkle. I don’t question this “life” bar floating over my head, or my “EXP” gauge, or why everypony in my life seems to worship higher beings known as the Developers. It’s all normal. But why d ·Chaotic Dreams

AdAlDa
Clover the Clever never defeated the Windigos. Now thousands of years in the future, the three pony tribes are still at war as extinction looms over the horizon. Twilight Sparkle wanders through the frozen land, looking for a way to end the winter. ·OrphiusOlyandra

AdAlDa
A strange quest request from the princesses themselves and a bountiful treasure equals danger, consequences, and certain death for most ponies. Fortunately, most ponies aren't like Applejack and her crew. ·Tempered Steel

In a world without the sovereign Princesses, gemstones have taken over as the ruling force of this modernized and industrious Equestria – running everything from technology and magic to the economy itself.

But when an ancient, chaotic evil rises to reclaim this world for his own, can a world-weary band of strangers come together and rise to the occasion in a universe where help, strength and courage are not so easily found?

There's not quite enough here to form a solid opinion yet, but I will say this much; you've got me wanting to see what happens next, which is, I'd say, a very good sign. Your prose is excellent; I found myself having no trouble at all seeing what was happening in the story without ever feeling like it was being spelled out for me, which is another very good sign.

You've definitely gotten my attention and I look forward to seeing the next part.

I'm really interested in the world you are building in this story; ponies in modern day metropolis is just a very intriguing concept. Can't wait to see how the other main characters slot into this world. The first couple of chapter are promising a thrilling experience (The first season of Heroes comes to mind, for some reason), so I'm definitely staying tuned for future chapter to see if you can deliver.

Enjoyed the chapter, but I noticed that the chapter name is different in the index (Secrets and Lies) than it is at the top of the chapter (The Lull Before the Storm). I'm assuming that this isn't on purpose.

Strictly speaking, Tia and Luna are diarchs. "Oligarchs" would also be accurate, albeit less precise.

Well. I had pretty low expectations from the description. But I gave this a chance; let it never be said that I don't at least try to be fair. And so far, it turns out that I actually don't hate this story. Cool.

And Soarin’... that deceitful, no good.... Oh! How could I have left Sweetie Belle with a horrendous stallion like that... who knows what kind of danger she could be in right now! He couldn’t have... he wouldn’t... would he?

Come now, Rarity, don't be so melodramatic. I know you're not sure whether he is a bad pony, but I know you recognize he's at least not so much of a psychopath as to intend ill to his niece's best friend. You admitted as much this morning. And surely you don't believe he has been ordered to do anything of the sort; what would Filthy gain from harming the sister of a loyal and productive employee? We both know you know better than that.

Soarin': he may be Scoots' legal guardian, but that doesn't mean he knows the difference between dinner and dessert.

I gather this is the end, then? Pity; I was really wondering what Twi would be doing in a world without Tia. And you never delivered on that story about Dash and her quintessence.

For Rarity, I was going for panic mode. People usually aren't thinking very clearly or logically when they panic, and I thought it was quite appropriate for Rarity's character.

As far as the rest of the story goes, there was a lot more planned, but it has been put on hiatus for... an indefinite amount of time as you can probably tell by the dates of submission. I am currently very busy and will be for at least another month, so hopefully when I have a little more free time I'll get around to writing this again.

I'd just like to say thanks to everyone who has read this, and that I'm very, very sorry I haven't been able to update like I said I was going to. I hope y'all can forgive me .

I'm glad to see this story isn't totally finished. I know too many good, potential authors who ultimately didn't have the means and time to finish good projects. I hope to see this one carries on. If you ever need another hand in editing and more people to bounce ideas off, drop me a message, I can offer a hand if need be. - SR